Raiders stride forward in loss to Lawrence Co.

Saturday

Aug 17, 2013 at 7:02 AMAug 17, 2013 at 7:41 AM

The scoreboard showed a 7-6 edge to Lawrence County, but first-year Spring Hill head coach Tom Turchetta was encouraged by his team's effort in the two quarters of play in Friday's First Farmers Jamboree at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

The scoreboard showed a 7-6 edge to Lawrence County, but first-year Spring Hill head coach Tom Turchetta was encouraged by his team’s effort in the two quarters of play in Friday’s First Farmers Jamboree at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

“I wasn’t disappointed. The kids played hard. I was proud of them,” said Turchetta. “We improved from our first scrimmage to our second one, and then (Friday) we made more improvement.”

Spring Hill put its points on the board when junior Malcolm Nicholson ourtran the secondary for a 66-yard TD on the second play of the game.

“Our offensive line is our strength,” said Turchetta. “When they execute, we have the kids with speed who can do good things. We just need to continue to improve.”

The Raiders offense showed more consistency and versatility than in their scrimmage the previous Friday against Forrest.

“We were able to control the football, that’s what I like to do,” Turchetta said. “I would like to see our kicking game improve. We need someone who can turn the field around when we punt.”

Spring Hill had the ball for a total of 26 offensive snaps with an additional 92 yards in its next three possessions. Senior Drew Gorman quarterbacked into the second period when sophomore Tylin Oden took over for a drive in which the Raiders stalled at the Wildcats’ 27 with about four minutes left.

Lawrence County used a 39-yard pass from 6-foot-5, 200-pound quarterback A. J. Long to Elijah Gang to set-up a 17-yard scoring pass from Long to Noel Buruca to tie the game. Colby Deuchle toed the deciding extra point.

“We had a young cornerback who bite for the fake,” said Turchetta. “He can learn from that. All our kids are trying hard.”

The Raiders open the season at home Friday against their neighborhood rivals Summit.

“We’re breakdown our film Saturday to see our mistakes, then meet Sunday to discuss our preparing for Summit,” said Turchetta.

It will be similar for David Marston and his staff at Lawrence County, who will host District 8-AAA rival Columbia Central next Friday.

“We played a lot of lineman to give them experience and confidence,” said Marston. “We need to execute better on offense.”

If the Wildcats’ offensive front does its job, the wing-T offense shows promise with junior Marquis Lockridge as the deep back and Gang, a senior, and junior Clint Brewer on the wings. The Wildcats accumulated 139 yards in 24 carries.